Aston Martin: Nürburgring: Six Hour Update

All factory and customer Aston Martins continue to tackle the challenging Nordschleife as night settles over the Eifel. Negotiating the ever-changing race conditions around the 16 mile circuit, the number 5 V12 Zagato (green) has moved up to 2nd in class following steady stints by all drivers. Oliver Mathai handed over to Peter Cate, both of whom completed a single stint each.

The number 3 V12 Zagato (red) is running 5th in class having completed 34 laps. Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez took over from journalist Horst von Saurma having completed a trouble-free stint. In the SP10 GT4 class, the number 6 V8 Vantage hovered between 2nd and 3rd in class with consistent laps at the hands of Jurgen Stumpf and Rob Thomson who is completing a double stint in 3rd position.

Mathol Racing who finished 5th in class in last year’s 24 hour race, has been running 1st for the past two hours. Team Pflanz climbed the rankings to 8th in the SP10 class while Team Bratke continue in 7th in the SP8 class.

All factory Aston Martins have moved into the top 60 with the green Zagato running 26th overall from a starting grid of 202 competitors.

Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, David King said: “It is early days in the context of the 24 hours but our race strategy is so far going to plan. We hope to continue on this consistent form and stay out of trouble.

“The team did a fantastic job at the beginning of the race when the whole field had to pit to change from wet to slick tyres. We managed to get all three cars through quickly and efficiently.”

In the UK, round three of the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain took place at Donington. Official partner team Generation AMR qualified on pole for the 90 minute V8 Vantage GT4 one-make endurance race. The race which started at 16:50 GMT ran for 55 minutes before the number 10 Vantage left the track colliding with the concrete barrier. Driver Mario Cordoni was unhurt, but the race had to be abandoned due to barrier repair. Tomorrow’s third round which starts at 10.20 GMT will be extended to two hours as a result.

On the other side of the Atlantic in Nevada where a standard production Rapide is completing a 24 hour endurance run at the Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch, Road & Track magazine continue after six hours having completed more than 130 laps in 33 degree C heat.

Aston Martin